Tenant not paying rent in Kenya? What landlords can and can't do

Updated 31 Oct 2026

Most rent problems are solved early, with a conversation and a plan. When they aren't, Kenyan law gives landlords proper ways to recover rent and end a tenancy. Taking matters into your own hands is not one of them.

1. Remind early, and ask why

Send a friendly reminder a few days before rent is due and on the day. If a tenant falls behind, call them. A lost job or a hospital bill is different from someone who won't pay, and knowing which it is tells you what to do next.

2. Agree a payment plan, in writing

A tenant who owes KES 20,000 may manage KES 5,000 a week. Write down the amounts and dates, both sign or confirm by SMS, and track it. Most tenants on a clear plan catch up.

3. Keep good records

Keep a statement for each tenant showing every charge and payment, with receipts. If it ever goes to a tribunal or court, your records are your evidence.

4. Give written notice

If the tenant still doesn't pay, write to them stating what they owe and by when. To end a month-to-month tenancy, give at least one month's written notice (or what your agreement says). Keep a copy and proof that it was sent.

5. Use the tribunal or the courts

To recover the money: the Small Claims Court handles debts of up to KES 1 million quickly and cheaply, without needing an advocate.
To evict: if the tenant won't leave after proper notice, apply to the relevant tribunal or court for an eviction order, then have it enforced by a court officer or licensed auctioneer. Shops and offices fall under the Business Premises Rent Tribunal.
Distress for rent (attaching a tenant's goods for unpaid rent) is allowed under the Distress for Rent Act only through a licensed auctioneer following the legal process. Get an advocate.

Never do these

Lock the tenant out, change the locks, or remove doors, windows or the roof.
Cut off water or electricity to force payment.
Take or sell the tenant's belongings yourself.
Threaten, harass or shame the tenant.

Courts treat these as unlawful eviction: the tenant can sue you for damages, and some can be criminal.

After they move out

You may deduct unpaid rent from the deposit, explaining the deductions in writing. For anything left owing, the Small Claims Court is the simplest route.

Rentipay keeps rent from falling behind. It sends reminders before and on the rent day, tracks payment plans week by week, keeps a statement for every tenant, and prints notices. Before you let, a tenant's rental passport shows how they paid other landlords on Rentipay.

Try Rentipay free

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and KRA rules change: check with an advocate or tax adviser for your situation.